A key campaigner for Save Lincolnshire Libraries has cut off his signature ponytail to raise money for the cause.

Simon Draper underwent the chop on June 14 at Grafton House, Newland, as part of his wedding anniversary and birthday celebrations.

He is also the campaigner who initiated a Judicial Review against Lincolnshire County Council due to its plans to save £1.7 million annually buy replacing 30 libraries with community hubs.

While the Judicial Review was accepted, the Save Lincolnshire libraries Campaign needs to raise around £7,500 for legal fees.

While Simon Draper is eligible for full legal aid, there is an expectation by the Legal Aid Agency that some funds are raised as contribution to the costs of running the case.

The ponytail meanwhile will be donated to The Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides real-hair wigs to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

After the cut Simon said: “Four years’ worth of hair, now gone.

“The hair will go to the charity to make wigs, and the money will go to Save Lincolnshire Libraries. Overall we’ve raised a bit over £2,000 to the legal fund, so we’re getting there but we need to raise more.

“I can’t chop off my hair again but we’ve got a book sale, galas and a meal is being planned to raise more money. People can get involved by joining the Facebook group, or contact one of the campaigners like me directly, or just donate by PayPal or cheque.”

He added: “Libraries to me are a sanctuary. I’ve always loved reading and I think that threatening to close all the libraries in Lincoln bar one is not the right thing to do. Especially when during the consultation you weren’t given the choice to say no.”

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